Discover the Beautiful Crystal Lake Region of Michigan
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I’m a big fan of venturing off the beaten path. In the summer, living in or visiting Northern Michigan can be busy and crowded, given its reputation for extreme beauty. I’m always looking for new places to explore, and thankfully, this area has no shortage of amazing smaller towns that offer plenty of adventure and exciting things to do.
At the top of the list stands the Crystal Lake region, nestled at the heart of Northern Michigan. Complete with sparkling lake views, easy access to Lake Michigan, and quaint downtowns like Beulah and Frankfort, this area is one I return to time and time again.
The Crystal Lake region is full of hidden treasures, from unique shopping, handcrafted brews, and trails that stun with beauty. It’s the type of getaway that begs you to relax, slow down, and be present.
Ready to get away from the crowds and explore? Listed below are some of my favorite things to do in the Crystal Lake area.
Adventures You Need to Experience Near Crystal Lake
Railroad Point Natural Area
3860 N. #D Long Lake Road, Traverse City, MI 49684
At just about a mile long, this trail offers a quiet reprieve with a gorgeous view of Crystal Lake. You will wind through a peaceful, lush forest before reaching a bluff. Here, you can spend time taking in the picturesque scenery of Crystal Lake or pausing to listen to the birds’ song.
Although it isn’t a long hike, it provides the perfect backdrop to sneak away from crowds and tune into nature’s beauty.
Point Betsie Lighthouse
3701 Point Betsie Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635
This one’s for all you rockhounds out there! Take a quick drive to the shore of Lake Michigan to explore the Point Bestie Lighthouse. The beach is littered with unique rocks that speak of the area’s natural beauty.
The lighthouse is open for tours- an amazing gateway into history and the past tales of what it was like to live near the open water. We love to pack a picnic and explore the surrounding dunes for the afternoon, or to bring a cheese plate and wine for a breathtaking sunset.
Betsie Valley Bike Trail
Beulah Trailhead: 7200 Crystal Ave, Beulah, MI 49617
This bike trail spans from Thompsonville all the way to downtown Frankfort. One of my favorite sections begins in downtown Beulah, right at the edge of the gorgeous Crystal Lake. The nine-mile section is paved and stunning, leading you through natural areas, under the pines, crossing over the scenic Betsie River, and landing you right in Frankfort.
We love starting in Beulah, biking into Frankfort for lunch or an ice cream cone, and then biking our way back to the start.
Explore More of Frankfort: The Gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes
Cognition Science & Discovery Center
232 N Michigan Ave, Beulah, MI 49617
If you have kids, you will want to carve out some time to explore Cognition! Part play space, part planetarium, part game playing, and part petting zoo, this has been a favorite stop for my kids. Open year-round, with many special events, Cognition is a hands-on discovery center that is pure magic. My kids love holding some of the rare animals (like their cute hedgehog!), and trying out different types of cooperative building games.
Beulah Summer Music Series
Downtown Beulah
From July to mid-August, the main street of Beulah shuts down on Thursday night to set up a summer stage. It’s family-friendly, features a variety of music, and brings some local favorites to the stage. Enjoy the breeze, grab a local brew, and enjoy a night downtown.
Must-Try Crystal Lake Restaurants
Rock’s Landing
1577 Crystal Dr, Frankfort, MI 49635
This restaurant is tucked away along the shores of Crystal Lake. Set inside an old cabin, with a deck that seems to float on the water, save this meal for a special occasion.
It’s our favorite place to celebrate our anniversary each year, and we always find we want to linger longer at this cozy spot. The menu is truly crafted with intention, featuring fresh fish, wagyu steak, pasta, and curry. The wine list is excellent, and I guarantee you will walk away already wanting to return.
5 Shores Brewery
163 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617
Nestled in the heart of downtown Beulah, with views of Crystal Lake and a great outdoor area, this is a must-stop when coming through the area.
Their beer selection is vast, with modern takes on IPAs, stouts, and sours highlighting the menu. They have delicious food on the menu, with their standout giant pretzel always a crowd-favorite.
Indoors, the space is vibrant with games and activity, and the outdoor area is perfect for those beautiful summer nights to refuel after a hike or day in the water.
The Cherry Hut
211 N Michigan Ave, Beulah, MI 49617
More than just a restaurant, the Cherry Hut is a throwback to tradition. It’s a staple in the area, and a fantastic place for lunch or just a slice of cherry pie. In addition to their restaurant, they have a large store to pick up homemade goods, jams, cherries, and much more.
Ursa Major Bistro
245 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617
Serving breakfast and lunch options, Ursa Major prides itself on making everything from scratch. Featuring breakfast skillets, omelets, salads, and grilled sandwiches, I always walk away stuffed!
One of my favorites is the heavenly sweet potato hash that features fresh vegetables and comes with buttery homemade toast. My son loves the corned beef hash with a side of pancakes, and my husband is a sucker for the stacked grilled cheese.
The coffee is fresh, and if you are lucky enough to save room, they have delicious ice cream flavors to end your meal with a cone.
Find a Treasure at Beulah’s Curated Shops
Unearthed Rock Shop & Jewelry Store
284 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617
If you love rare stones as much as I do, this store is for you. The shop is sectioned into areas for each type of special stone, where you will find beautiful jewelry, collectibles, and information about each gem.
My kids and I always stop in this store when we visit, typically walking away with a new rock for our collection. We picked up a perfect piece of petrified wood for my husband’s recent birthday, and I found my favorite natural copper ring here.
Even if you have no intention of buying, it’s still an amazing store to browse and learn about the different meanings behind the gems.
254 South
254 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617
Out of the stores in Beulah, this one is my personal favorite. Chocked full of items that are repurposed, found, and highlight the artistic side of life. There is pottery, pieces to hang on your walls, freshly potted plants, and even a selection of clothing options.
This store’s goal is to bring you back to natural beauty while connecting you to the local community and artisans. It’s gorgeous in every way, and you won’t want to miss it.
Where to Stay Near Crystal Lake
Chimney Corners Resort offers cottages, cabins, and Lodge bed-and-breakfast rooms right on Crystal Lake. Located along scenic M-22, it’s close to Lake Michigan, Frankfort, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, with on-site amenities like a sandy beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, tennis, hiking, and more.
Northern Michigan at Its Finest
No matter what you choose to do in Beulah, you will walk away refreshed and surely discover a new favorite spot. Every time we visit, we find something new, and we keep coming back to explore the road less traveled.